SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) - Hundreds are protesting a proposed city ordinance which would ban bike riding in all of Forsyth Park.

City officials say there have been too many complaints of cyclists riding unsafely in the park, but cyclists say if they are banned from riding there, there is no safe alternative route.

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Supporters of both sides spoke out at a public comment meeting Thursday.

"Having access to safe corridors to get around is important for anybody who gets around for recreation or transportation," John Bennett with the Savannah Bicycle Campaign says.

They say they rode their bikes to the meeting to protest the proposed ordinance, and to show the range of people it would affect.

As of right now, there are rules banning bike riding in certain areas of Forsyth, but the new ordinance would ban it from the park altogether.

"The main thing we want to make sure is that if a ban is put in place, that people who are safe, responsible cyclists have an alternative route that allows them to get where they need to go," Bennett says.

At the meeting, organizers said far more members of the public showed up than expected.

There, those for the ban said, bicyclists in the park are a safety issue.

"Five to 10 percent of cyclists are creating problems for the rest of you," one man said at the meeting. "I think you're right, we need education, we need alternative ways of getting there. Right now the ban seems to be the only way of getting protection"

Those against the ban said there is not any proof bikes are causing danger.

"Given the fact that there aren't any documented cases, but there are plenty of documented cases of bicyclists getting hit by cars," another man said.

City representatives defended the choice to propose the ban before asking for public comment.

"If this wasn't announced the way it was, half of you wouldn't be here tonight," Alderman Bill Durrence said at the meeting.

Still, some members of the public say they would have shown up regardless.

"I don't think you get people somewhere by threatening them," Beverly Willet says. "I don't think that's the right way to build a city, or for a city to work together."

Now, the comments from those at the meeting will be written up in a letter to the city manager. She will decide when it will be put on the agenda for council to review.